WEST POKOT — The National Government has stepped up efforts to fast-track the operationalization of the Nasukuta Abattoir in West Pokot County, in a move aimed at strengthening the livestock value chain, improving food security, and expanding economic opportunities for pastoralist communities.
A multi-agency delegation from the National Government paid a courtesy call on Governor Simon Kachapin before touring the facility to assess its technical and operational readiness and prepare the modern slaughterhouse for incoming private sector investment.
Led by Dr. David Kios, Livestock Advisor in the Office of the President, the team included key officials from the national Food Safety Division and the Food Systems Resilience Project (FSRP), evaluating Nasukuta as one of nine strategic regional abattoirs earmarked for transformation into major commercial hubs.
Governor Kachapin welcomed the joint intervention, reiterating the County Government’s commitment to resolving long-standing project delays and unlocking the region’s full economic capacity. Expressing strong keenness to see the project completed, he noted that West Pokot serves as a major meat hub and stressed that local communities must benefit directly through enhanced livelihoods and local economic empowerment.
To ensure the facility functions efficiently, the visiting team emphasized the necessity of a reliable livestock supply chain to support sustainable ongoing operations. A primary strategy discussed includes the establishment of ward-level feedlots throughout West Pokot County, which Dr. Kios noted would enhance the facility’s long-term sustainability while simultaneously improving livestock quality, farm production yields, and market access for local pastoralists.
The operationalization of the Nasukuta Abattoir is set to position West Pokot as a leading meat production and processing power center, creating direct employment, attracting investors, and boosting profits for local farmers. Furthermore, the active involvement of national food safety agencies and the Food Systems Resilience Project will ensure compliance with strict meat processing standards, clearing the pathway for the abattoir to serve expanded national and regional export markets.
The visiting delegation was joined by County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, Livestock Development and Fisheries Wilfred Longironyang, Nasukuta Abattoir CEO Magal Losapu, and technical officers from the County Department of Agriculture.
